Education Program Update

• Tiger lessons have been completed since last summer. The copyright office received our request in October. As of a few weeks ago, our materials are still in process. They expect it will be a few more months before we receive certification.
• Lion lessons are complete and will be submitted for copyright.
• Education team has just begun the lesson plans for the bobcat.
• Each animal that has lessons done have plans for each grade k-12.

Is there really a need for big cat sanctuaries?

Here are some facts about big cats just in the United States:

1. 500 rescue calls per year in the United States alone for the big cats.
   
   
2. When seized from the Federal Government, 60% of these animals are euthanized.
   
   
3. Many breeders sell cubs to “so-called” sanctuaries to be used for photos. After reaching 100 pounds they are no longer needed. They are left in small cages with no grass under their feet, no water to swim, no shade for the rest of their sad and lonely life.
   
   
4. Many rescues come from circus and roadside zoos that have no money to properly keep this kind of animals.
   
   
5. 25% of all white tigers born will have genetic defects due to cross or inner breeding.
   
   
6. There are more big cats living in the United States today, in captivity, than are left in the wild.
   
   
7. Only 10% of all rescue calls in the United States are given permanent homes.
   
   
8. 10% of the 15,000 tigers in the United States live in professionally regulated zoos and sanctuaries.
   
   
9. ONLY 5000 to 7000 tigers are left in the wild worldwide. Due to habitat loss and poaching.
   
   
10. Tiger population has decreased 95% over the last 99 years.
    
    
11. 98% of all exotic animals die within the first 2 years of being brought into a home as a family pet.
    
    
12. For every one animals you see performing in a circus, there are 30 that were killed or discarded because they refused to perform.
    
    
13. There are only 18 states that ban big cats as pets.
    
    
14. You CAN make a difference in a life of a big cat! Click here to find out how.(link to donate page)

For more information about the big cats of the world, see our links to the left.